Family Drama

The following day, Mia is rushed from one job commitment to another as she tries to balance her family and career commitments. At their go-to café, she meets her parents for lunch. As they sip coffee and greet one other politely, tension is palpable.

Her mother asks, "So, Mia, how's work going?" in a worried tone.

Mia fakes a smile, attempting to dismiss the inquiry with a nonchalant shrug. "Oh, you know, the usual," she says, her voice not as enthusiastic as it usually is. "Busy as ever."

Seeing the tension in her voice, her father scowls. His brow furrowing in concern, he asks, "Are you sure you're taking care of yourself, Mia?" "You seem stressed."

With a twinge of remorse pulling at her conscience, Mia's smile falters. She is aware that lately, she has been putting too much emphasis on her whirlwind affair with Alexander and has ignored her own well-being. She can't take the idea of disappointing her parents with her newfound happiness, though, so she can't bring herself to tell them the truth.

But it's clear that they have something on their minds. Finally, her mum speaks up. "Mia there's something we want to discuss with you" From the tone of her voice, Mia knew if wasn't a conversation she was going to enjoy. "Gc ahead,mom" Mia replied.

"We just want to know when you're planning on settling down" said her dad.

Mia felt her patience wearing thin as her parents persisted in pressuring her to settle down. Even though she knew they meant well, their insistence was just making her want to get away from the subject even more. "Mom, Dad," she sighed, "I don't want to talk about this right now. Could we just savour our brunch, please?"

After a quick glance between her parents, her mother remarked, "But Mia, we just want what's best for you." As you get older, we want to see you content."

Mia bristled.

"I'm happy just the way I am, but I appreciate your concern," she stated in an even voice. I have a fulfilling life, a fantastic set of friends, and a great job. To be happy, I don't need a husband."

Her dad gave her a cool look. "How about kids, though? Don't you wish you had your own family?"

Mia inhaled deeply as she made an effort to remain calm. Firmly, "I'm not ready to have that discussion," she declared. "Please, can we just enjoy our meal?"

After exchanging another glance, her mother eventually spoke up, her voice a little more subdued. "All right, Mia, we'll forget about it. But know that all we have in mind is your best interests."

Mia nodded, happy that the discussion was coming to an end. They talked on lighter subjects for the remainder of the lunch. With a wave of relief, Mia bids farewell to her family and the stuffy environment of their expectations as they wrap up their meal and say their goodbyes. However, as she makes her way back to her flat, she can't stop thinking about Alexander. Her heart is heaving from all of her personal secrets and fears, and she wonders what he would think of her parents' wish for her to be married.

Later that night, Mia is sitting by herself in her apartment when she discovers herself browsing through her phone and lingering over Alexander's number. She wants to talk to him, to share the highs and lows of her day, but she's hesitant to do so because she doesn't want to burden him with her issues.

Ultimately, Mia chooses to send him a short text message as a token of her affection to let him know she's on his mind. And as soon as she clicks "send," a flood of warmth and calm descends onto her anxious mind.